Changemaker Legal

Putting ongoing legal counsel & management guidance within reach of changemakers who combat inequity & transform society

Changemaker Legal

Application for 2026 - 2027

Cohort Program

Program Overview

Changemaker Legal is a nonprofit firm providing free, direct legal guidance and advisory support to grassroots nonprofits and social enterprises. It is dedicated to putting ongoing legal counsel and management guidance within reach of changemakers who combat inequity and transform society. Changemaker Legal’s program will provide tailored assistance, including legal advice, management guidance, and access to resources for DC-based changemakers. Program participants will receive two (2) hours of free legal services per month from July 2026 to July 2027.

Application Instructions

Please complete the following application by June 15th to apply for the program. If you have any questions or need assistance with this application, please contact us at 202-992-5116 or info@changemakerlegal.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; preference will be given to early applicants.

Applicant Information

Organization or Business Name:

Name of Contact Person:

Contact’s Title/Position:

Contact’s Email Address:

Contact’s Phone Number:

Website (if applicable):

Organizational Information

Are you a returning client (i.e., did you participate in the Changemaker Legal cohort last year)?

Yes

In what ways did Changemaker Legal support your organization’s work or goals?

What suggestions do you have for improving the Changemaker Legal program or client experience?

Would you like to share anything else about your experience with Changemaker Legal?

Type of Entity (select one):

Nonprofit Organization

Social Enterprise (formed as a Sole Proprietorship, GP, LP, LLP, Corporation, LLC, or other for-profit entity type)

Entity type to be determined

State/District of Incorporation or Formation (if applicable):

Year Established:

Nature of Activities.

Explain the programs or sales you conduct (i.e., service provision, advocacy, product sales, goods sales, etc.)

Mission Statement (may be in draft form).

Briefly describe your mission and goals.

Target Community or Customers (may be in draft form).

Describe the community or population your organization or business serves or will serve.

Program Participation

Why do you want to participate in Changemaker Legal’s 2026-2027 Program?

Describe why your organization or business seeks legal and management guidance and how it will benefit your operations.

How does your background equip or prepare you for running this organization or business?

Explain what skills, training, background, and talents you have that are relevant to your project.

Tell us about a time you received critical feedback regarding your organization or business and how you incorporated it.

Why are you unable to pay for legal and business services at market rates?

Explain your financial situation with sufficient detail to demonstrate why you cannot afford $5,000 - $40,000 in legal fees.

Do you have any existing legal, business, or accounting support?

If you answered "yes" to the above question, please describe:

Who are your directors or board members?

Tell us how many directors or board members you have and a bit about their personal and professional backgrounds.

How did you find out about Changemaker Legal?

Authorization, Release, and Certification

I hereby authorize Changemaker Legal and its directors and officers to verify and make copies of any information provided in this application in the course of determining eligibility for the program. I hereby release any person or entity complying with this authorization from any claims relating to the disclosure of any such information and documents. A copy of this authorization shall be as valid as the original.

By signing below, I certify that the information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that participation in this program may involve regular communication and cooperation with Changemaker Legal.

I further acknowledge and agree that submission of this application does not guarantee that legal services will be provided. No attorney-client relationship is created by the submission of this application, any communications related to the application, or any preliminary discussions regarding potential representation. Any legal services relationship will begin only after (i) all applicable conflicts checks have been completed and cleared to the satisfaction of Changemaker Legal, and (ii) both Changemaker Legal and I (or the organization with which I am affiliated) have executed a written engagement agreement. Until such time, Changemaker Legal has no obligation to provide legal advice, representation, or other legal services.

Signature

Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload.

Name

Date

Month

Day

Year